BOOKS

Tanya Ashken: Jeweller, Silversmith, Sculptor

This publication, the first major survey of Tanya Ashken's work, features ninety of her silversmithing and jewellery pieces and 66 sculptures.

Three writers have contributed essays, each focusing on a different aspect of Tanya's life. Lesleigh Salinger presents a concise biography of her life and works, while Philip Clarke looks at a life shared between Tanya and her husband, John Drawbridge. Damian Skinner's piece examines how Tanya's work fits into the New Zealand arts and crafts scene.

Born in London in 1939, Tanya was educated at Bedales, a coeducational boarding school in Hampshire, where craft and academic subjects were taught with equal emphasis.There she spent a lot of time in the wood and metal workshop, gaining her silversmithing hallmark at 13 years old.

In 1963 she moved with John, a New Zealander, to Wellington where many silversmithing and jewellery commissions were awarded, notably a silver and greenstone Bishop's crosier for Nelson Cathedral and a NZ Arts Council gift of a silver and amethyst pendant, which was presented to Princess Anne on her 1970 tour of New Zealand.

Sculptural works, constructed from steel and cement, carved out of stone and wood or built from wire and plaster of Paris, then cast in bronze and aluminium, complete Tanya's oeuvre. Her most recognizable work being Albatross, the 3.5 meter high water sculpture, on Wellington's waterfront (which gave rise to the establishment of the Wellington Sculpture Trust in 1986).

JOHN DRAWBRIDGE

Published by Ron Sang Publications (2008)

ISBN 978-0-473-13956-8 263 pages305(h) x 305(w) x 30 mm (2.2kg)

John Drawbridge's life and works are on display in this large coffee-table-book (264 pages). Included are images of oil and watercolour painting, large public murals, printmaking and examples of stained glass.

The large format shows well the Beehive mural, New Zealand House mural [re-installed at Victoria University of Wellington in 2014], the Expo 70/National Library of New Zealand mural and John's 14 Stations of the Cross stained glass works at the Home of Compassion Chapel, Island Bay).

The principal essay has been written by Damian Skinner, while Robert Macdonald tells of student life and Tony Drawbridge (John's son) gives the reader an intimate glimpse into John as a person. Most of the of the photographs have been taken by Helena Fierlinger and Dave Kent is responsible for the clean design. John Drawbridge (the book) will reward anyone who is interested in New Zealand art.

The Mind of an Artist and the Hands of a Craftsman

John Drawbridge was a brilliant and diverse visual artist. His knowledge of art theory and technique, together with his wonderful sense of aesthetics enabled him to create a challenging, exciting and varied body of work. Oil and watercolour painter, printmaker, muralist, stained glass artist and textile creator, John possessed the mind and soul of an artist and the hands of a craftsman.

His passion for art and education drew him to teaching. From 1964, until he retired in 1989, John taught Printmaking and Creative Studies at the Wellington School of Design. His many students remember him as an inspiring and patient teacher.

With an artistic career spanning 50 years, highlights comprise of being invited to exhibit at the 10 th International Bianco e Nero Exhibition in Lugano (1968), Switzerland, where he won a major prize for a drypoint print. He was awarded an MBE in 1978 and received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Massey University in 2002. and in 2009 he was inducted into the Massey University College of Creative Arts Hall of Fame. His work is held in collections all over the world including the British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Cincinnati Museum, The San Francisco Museum and museums in New Zealand.

JOHN DRAWBRIDGE: WIDE OPEN INTERIOR

published by Mallinson Rendel and the Wellington City Gallery in 2001

ISBN: 0-908783-65-596 pages250 x 210 x 11mm (0.5kg)

Containing essays by Gregory O'Brien (Ed.), Lara Strongman, Gerald Barnett and Robert Macdonald this is the first major study of the leading New Zealand painter and printmaker John Drawbridge (best known for his murals in New Zealand House in London - now in Victoria University of Wellington - and the Beehive).

After his return to New Zealand in 1963 until his death in 2005 John Drawbridge lived in Island Bay, Wellington. He was inspired by the colours, forms and rhythms of this coastal environment. He also explored the interior of his beachfront house, its many windows framing figures as well as vistas of the world beyond.

This book features 32 full colour reproductions of his remarkable artworks and over 50 black and white illustrations.